SHORT ANSWER: Yes, you can sell a damaged car – but you will probably need to speak with your insurer first.
If you can’t afford to repair your damaged car, you may be wondering whether you can sell it on for some extra cash. Generally speaking, it’s perfectly legal to sell a damaged car as long as you are honest and upfront with the buyer about the vehicle’s condition.
However, if your insurer has declared the car a write-off, selling it to someone else may not be an option. Read on to learn more!
First, Speak to Your Insurer
If your car has become damaged in an accident, the first thing you need to do is speak to your insurance company – even if you’re not planning to make a claim. Failing to inform your insurer that you’ve been involved in a car accident is likely to violate the terms of your policy. Even very minor accidents must be reported to your insurer for informational purposes.
Assuming you’re not making an insurance claim, you’re then free to do as you please with your damaged car. If the vehicle is still roadworthy, you can choose whether to repair the damage or just live with it; if it’s not roadworthy and you don’t want to pay for repairs, you might decide to sell the vehicle to an authorised scrap facility like A&L Vehicle Recycling.
Things become more complicated when you decide to make an insurance claim for the damage to your car. At that point, your insurer will decide whether to pay for the necessary repairs or simply declare the vehicle a write-off.
Can I Sell a Car That’s Been Written Off?
If your insurer chooses to write off your vehicle, they will pay you the current value of the vehicle instead of giving you the money for repairs. They will also determine which of the following categories your car now falls under:
- Category A: The car and all of its components are beyond salvage and so all parts must be destroyed.
- Category B: The car has been damaged beyond repair, but some parts may be salvaged and sold.
- Category S(formerly Category C): The car has structural damage but is repairable and can be sold on as long as you clearly declare its status.
- Category N(formerly Category D): The car has non-structural damage and can be repaired and sold on as long as you clearly declare its status.
If your car is in category A or B, the insurance company will most likely arrange for it to be scrapped – so selling it yourself is out of the question. If your vehicle is in category S or N, however, you may be able to buy it back from the insurance company (at which point it’s yours to repair and/or sell on).
FURTHER INFO: What to Do If Your Car Is Written Off
Where Can I Sell My Damaged Car?
If you’re not making an insurance claim then no matter what condition your car is in, you can sell it to us at A&L Vehicle Recycling and walk away with a little extra money in the bank. Even if your car is no longer roadworthy, we offer a free scrap car collection service – our team will pick up your unwanted vehicle and safely dispose of it.
So, whether your car has been damaged in an accident, failed its MOT or you simply don’t want it taking up space on your property anymore, our team at A&L can take it off your hands and give you money in return.
Click the link below and enter your car’s registration to get a FREE, no obligation quote! If you have any questions about our scrap car services, please get in touch with us today.
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